*<do name="Hukutaia Domain" alt="" address="Woodlands Rd" directions="8km from Opotiki" phone="" url="http://www.opotikinz.com/archive/129054.html" hours="" price="Free/Donation" lat="" long="">4.5 Hectares of ancient native forest that is full of birdlife. There are several short tracks all of which will take you past Taketakerau - a giant Puriri tree that was used by a local maori tribe as a burial tree. This magnificent tree is estimated to be over 2000 years old.</do>

*<do name="Hukutaia Domain" alt="" address="Woodlands Rd" directions="8km from Opotiki" phone="" url="http://www.opotikinz.com/archive/129054.html" hours="" price="Free/Donation" lat="" long="">4.5 Hectares of ancient native forest that is full of birdlife. There are several short tracks all of which will take you past Taketakerau - a giant Puriri tree that was used by a local maori tribe as a burial tree. This magnificent tree is estimated to be over 2000 years old.</do>

+

*<do name="Motu Trail Cycleway" alt="Mountain Biking" address="" directions="" phone="021 56 46 65" url="http://www.motutrails.co.nz/" hours="" price="Free" lat="" long="19-93km">Brand new cycleway commencing in Matawai. The Cycleway has two options; for a challenge you can descend down the remote and historic Pakihi track while those looking for a more leisurely ride can cruise down the Motu Road to connect with a new dedicated cycle track through the sand hills, along the beach and into to Opotiki.</do>

Get around

See

Opotiki Rodeo, War Memorial Park grounds, [6]. Held every December usually on the 28th this rodeo event attracts cowboys, cowgirls and familys from all over New Zealand.

Do

Waiotahi Beach, (a 5-10 minute drive west of Opotiki on State Highway 2.). This beach is patrolled by lifegaurds in summer and is a great place to swim, fish or relax. Every New Years Day (1 January) there is a beach sculpture competition. $5 per team, register by 9:30am. See the Opotiki information centre website for further event details.

Motu River Jet Boat Tours, (35 mins east from Opotiki along Highway 35. Turn left immediately after crossing the Motu River Bridge. On your left at the riverbank will be the red coloured Motu River Jet Boat.), [8]. Summer: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm. Booking required. Email: info@motujet.co.nz

Hukutaia Domain, Woodlands Rd (8km from Opotiki), [9]. 4.5 Hectares of ancient native forest that is full of birdlife. There are several short tracks all of which will take you past Taketakerau - a giant Puriri tree that was used by a local maori tribe as a burial tree. This magnificent tree is estimated to be over 2000 years old.Free/Donation.

Motu Trail Cycleway (Mountain Biking), ☎021 56 46 65, [10]. Brand new cycleway commencing in Matawai. The Cycleway has two options; for a challenge you can descend down the remote and historic Pakihi track while those looking for a more leisurely ride can cruise down the Motu Road to connect with a new dedicated cycle track through the sand hills, along the beach and into to Opotiki.Free. (,19-93km)

Buy

Opotiki New World, 19 Bridge St, ☎(07) 315 6723‎. The only large supermarket operating in Opotiki. Stock up on supplies here before heading around the isolated East Cape.

Eat

Opotiki has several fast food outlets, mainly Chinese takeaways. For good Kiwi food visit one of the Fish N Chips stores in the town.

Drink

Sleep

Contact

Opotiki Information Centre, 70 Bridge St, Opotiki, ☎(07) 315 3031, [11]. A brand new facility that is also the home of the local Department of Conservation office.

Get out

The drive to Gisborne around the East Cape via State Highway 35 features spectacular ocean views and remote settlements. (Allow 8 hours on the road.) Then return to Opotiki via State Highway 2 and the Waioeka Gorge. (Allow 11 - 12 hours on the road for the round trip.)